The Indian Air Force is authorised to have 42 squadrons -- each comprising 16-18 fighters -- but has only 33. Recently the IAF had to decommission 3 squadrons of aging MiG 21s and one of MiG 27.
A squadron of Russian Su-30 MKi has been added.
The government is aware of the "shortfall," said the Vice-Chief.
"Serviceability is also an issue which the government is aware of and monitoring closely,"Mr Dhanoa said.
Negotiations for the Rafale jet fighter is on, but even if India and France were to sign the deal now, it will take few years before first aircraft is delivered.
To fill the gap, India is trying to acquire 36 French-made Rafale fighters and indigenously made Light Combat Air Craft - Tejas.
Negotiations for Rafale are still on. And Hindustan Aeronautics Limited - a Defence Public Sector Unit that manufactures Tejas -- is yet to deliver the first jet to the IAF. "We have asked for delivery as early as possible," the Vice Chief said.
What is worrying some in the IAF is the fact even if India and France were to sign the deal now, it will take few years before first Rafale is delivered.
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